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Morning 9: Scheffler, Schauffele share concerns | Park returning to Tour | Barbasol photos

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3 years ago

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By Ben Alberstadt with Gianni Magliocco.

For comments: [email protected]

Good Thursday morning, golf fans, as day one of the Scottish Open. gets underway.

1. More takeaways from the Congressional hearing

Assembled by Golf Digest’s Joel Beall…

  • A fiery admission…”Price and Dunne admirably represented the tour, defending the league as best as they could. However, the tour has been adament throughout the past two years that it was operating from a position of power. Dunne countered that sentiment by admitting that “LIV put us on fire” regarding its own actions. That quote will certainly shouted by LIV supporters should the deal ultimately not come to fruition.”
  • The tour has a friend in Senator Ron Johnson…”The Republican from Wisconsin did not so much ask questions of Price and Dunne as he did play devil’s advocate for why the tour had no choice but to explore a partnership with the Saudis. “I don’t see the PGA Tour as doing anything wrong here,” Johnson said in the hearing. “The questions feel like there you did [something] wrong.” Johnson also pushed back against moral entanglements the PGA Tour might have in doing business with the Saudi regime. “Well listen, I have the deepest sympathy for 9/11 families, I understand the issue of sportswashing, I don’t think there’s any—there’s not enough billions of dollars for the Saudis to wash away the stain of the brutal [Jamal] Khashoggi murder,” Johnson said. “But the reality is we all buy oil, we use—we drive cars, we are the ones that are filling up the coffers of the Public Investment Fund.”
  • A senator was unaware PGA Tour China no longer exists…”Everyone at the proceedings had an agenda, although no one’s was more apparent than Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), who tried to grill Price about the existence of the tour’s developmental league in China. One problem: Hawley had no idea the league had not been operational since 2019.”
Full piece.

2. Ryan: U.S. Adaptive Open will unbreak your golf heart

Golf Digest’s Shane Ryan…”There are 96 golfers at the Adaptive Open, and 96 stories of almost unbelievable resilience… The problem with that, as with all the redemptive sports stories we’ve seen in our time, is that they take on a kind of sameness; the pattern becomes familiar and we become inured. How many terrible things can happen to people, only for them to discover the strength to carry on in dire circumstances that we’re sure would bury us in clouds of depression and grief and resentment, before you stop being so affected by each one and they fall into a kind of dismissible rote-ness? It doesn’t help, of course, that in an effort to simplify the affecting power, sports media often portrays these stories in the most lachrymose ways, using tropes that can’t help but make you roll your eyes as they try to extract your tears through practiced emotional coercion. It is easy and probably necessary to rebel against the weepy theatrics of TV journalists we won’t name, but the big problem comes down to the old cliché about the baby and the bathwater; the cynicism we have every right to develop also can wipe out what’s moving about the actual story.”

  • …”All I can say is that when you’re here in person, when the stunning spectacle presents itself and you start to fathom the enormity of what they’re doing—when you look out on the 18th green after reading Togisala’s story, and he’s there in the flesh, in his cart, as though reading his story conjured him up—you start to wonder why you’re crying. It isn’t pity, you’ll realize, but rather a kind of awe at how they triumphed by sticking it to the brutal turns of this life, of not simply moving on and continuing to exist until death’s deliverance, but resolutely attacking and succeeding in a display that combines the most radical kind of defiance/acceptance/god-knows-what-else. Then, in the thick of those emotions, you conclude that these are the only kinds of stories that actually matter. And that even though life goes on, and we can’t sit around lost in the pathos of every person who endured, it’s worth doing whatever you can not to become habituated to the stories that delve into the extremes of human suffering.”
Full piece.

3. Scheffler: Lack of clarity is worrisome

Rex Hoggard for Golf Channel…”As Tuesday’s hearing in Washington, D.C., demonstrated, there are few details of the PGA Tour’s framework agreement with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, a fact that irritated some senators and players.”

  • “I just think that yesterday, we didn’t really learn a whole lot. As a player on Tour, we still don’t really have a lot of clarity as to what’s going on and that’s a bit worrisome. They keep saying it’s a player-run organization, and we don’t really have the information that we need,” Scottie Scheffler said Wednesday at the Genesis Scottish Open. “I watched part of [the hearing] yesterday and didn’t learn anything. So, I really don’t know what to say.”
Full piece.

4. Schauffele: Monahan must earn back players trust

Golf Channel’s Rex Hoggard…”As Tuesday’s hearing in Washington, D.C., demonstrated, there are few details of the PGA Tour’s framework agreement with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, a fact that irritated some senators and players.”

  • “I just think that yesterday, we didn’t really learn a whole lot. As a player on Tour, we still don’t really have a lot of clarity as to what’s going on and that’s a bit worrisome. They keep saying it’s a player-run organization, and we don’t really have the information that we need,” Scottie Scheffler said Wednesday at the Genesis Scottish Open. “I watched part of [the hearing] yesterday and didn’t learn anything. So, I really don’t know what to say.”
Full piece.

5. Jane Park returning to tour

Kent Paisley for Golf Digest…”Two years after LPGA member Jane Park’s daughter, Grace, suffered a tragic health episode resulting in Park stepping away from golf, Park will return July 19-22 to play at the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational. It’s Park’s first event since Grace, then 10 months old, suffered a series of undiagnosed brain seizures, resulting in severe brain damage, while Park competed at the 2021 Ascendant LPGA.”

  • “Park, 36, will play with Paula Creamer as her partner at the tour’s team event at Midland Country Club in Midland, Mich.”
Full piece.

6. JT, Spieth acquiring minority stake in Leeds

SkySports report…“Spieth and fellow golf icon Justin Thomas have purchased shares in the 49ers group, subject to EFL checks, and the former is excited about the future of the club.”

  • “Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports News, Spieth said: “Relegation wasn’t ideal, but we got involved with the 49ers group about purchasing a larger share and getting in with them doing things so successfully as they do everywhere they’ve touched.”
Full Piece.

7. Financial boost for women’s golf?

Michael Weston for Golf Monthly…”Women’s golf could benefit from a financial boost following an announcement that the Aramco Team Series presented by Public Investment Fund (PIF) is set to partner with the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute.”

  • Recognising that a significant proportion of global golf fans hold senior management and leadership positions in the corporate sector, the Aramco Team Series has partnered with FII Institute to elevate the tournament to new heights.
  • Alexandra Armas, CEO of the Ladies European Tour, believes the partnership can build on the momentum that has been building in the women’s game.
  • “We are delighted that FII is becoming a strategic partner from the Aramco Team Series – Riyadh onwards, bringing more discussions and investment into women’s golf through this partnership,” she said.
Full Piece.

8. R.I.P.: Brooks, Bryson “feud”

9. Photos from the Barbasol Championship

  • Check out all of our galleries from this week’s event.
Full Piece.

Related Topics:

Ben Alberstadt is the Editor-in-Chief at GolfWRX, where he’s led editorial direction and gear coverage since 2018. He first joined the site as a freelance writer in 2012 after years spent working in pro shops and bag rooms at both public and private golf courses, experiences that laid the foundation for his deep knowledge of equipment and all facets of this maddening game. Based in Philadelphia, Ben’s byline has also appeared on PGATour.com, Bleacher Report...and across numerous PGA DFS and fantasy golf platforms. Off the course, Ben is a committed cat rescuer and, of course, a passionate Philadelphia sports fan. Follow him on Instagram @benalberstadt.

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Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 Memorial Tournament

Published

3 weeks ago

on

Jun 1, 2026

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GolfWRX is on site this week at the Memorial Tournament, with both Alistair Cameron and Tour Photographer Greg Moore on the ground in Dublin, Ohio, where a strong field is assembled to pay homage to the Golden Bear.

In addition to WITB galleries, we’ve already been treated to an in-hand look at Tommy Fleetwood’s new TaylorMade Spider putters.

Check out links to all our photos below.

General Albums

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

 

 

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News

Tour Tech Rundown: Heroic Henley

Published

4 weeks ago

on

Jun 1, 2026

By

Around the world, the golf wheel spun this final week in May of 2026. From New Jersey to Austria, with stops in Korea, Texas, and North Carolina (don’t let me route your next trip) the world’s finest put their golf games on display. There were three playoffs, some known commodities and some new talent. It was the sort of week that we hope to have at this point in the seasons. June and July afford double-digit major events, and perhaps, one of this week’s champions will use this success as a springboard to new heights. Time to run it all down, tech style, in this week’s Tour Tech Rundown.

Thanks to WITBHub, Today’s Golfer, GolfWRX, and Inside Tour Golf for initial research into equipment.

PGA Tour @ Charles Schwab Challenge: Heroic Henley denies Cole

Eric Cole did nearly everything that a fellow can do, to secure a first PGA Tour title. He stayed one shot clear of Ryder Cup player Ben Griffin. He kept US Open champion Gary Woodland and wunderkind Michael Brennan two shots distant. He posted 70 on day four to reach twelve under par. And then, Russell Henley revealed his Dr. Strange cloak. Henley made 47 feet of birdie putts on holes 16, 17, and 18, to jump from minus-nine to twelve-deep, and secured a spot in a playoff with Cole. The duo returned to the final tee, and put on a stripe show.

Both golfers found the fairway off the tee, and Henley improved on his regulation play with an approach to four feet. Cole did himself proud, tucking an iron to a dozen feet, but he was unable to convert the putt for three. Henley is one of the best putters on tour, and he proved it once more by draining a putt for a fourth consecutive birdie, and a sixth PGA Tour title. For Eric Cole, that first victory should come, and soon. He has done everything necessary to earn the chalice lift.

Henley’s Suitcase

  • Driver: Titleist TSi3 at 10 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 70g 6.5 TX
  • Metal: Titleist TS3 at 16.5 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 80 TX
  • Hybrid: Titleist TSi2 at 21 degrees. Shaft: Mitsubishi MMT hybrid 100 TX
  • Iron: Titleist T250 4-iron. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
  • Irons: Titleist T100 5-6 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
  • Irons: Titleist T100 7-9 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
  • Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 48 and 50 degrees. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue X100
  • Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 54 and 60 degrees. Shaft: rue Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue S400
  • Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron T5 Tour Prototype

LPGA @ Shoprite LPGA: Welcome back, Celine!

Soo Bin Joo had her eyes on a maiden LPGA title. She held the lead after two rounds, then hit a red light at the intersection of can-I and how-To. Joo posted plus-two on day three in New Jersey, and dropped to a T4 finish, which was still a career-best for the young Korean golfer. Instead of a new face, a familiar face returned to the top of the podium.

Celine Boutier was the It Girl in 2023. She collected four victories, including a major title at Evian. Boutier reached world number one status, then simply faded into the background. No wins came her way over the next 30 months. On Sunday, she collected LPGA victory number seven, at the same trace as LPGA victory number two.

Day three saw Boutier manage the windswept Seaview Bay course with six birdies and a bogey. She was challenged in the end by Thailand’s Arpichaya Yubol, who signed for a 66 of her own. Yubol came up one shot shy of the top ladder rung. Finishing in third place at -7, two back of the winner, was Ireland’s Lauren Walsh.

Celine’s Suitcase

  • Driver: PXG 0311 Black Ops Tour-1 at 9 degrees. Shaft: Graphite Design AD IZ-5
  • Hybrid: PXG 0311 Black Ops at 19 and 22 degrees. Shaft: KBS Hybrid Prototype
  • Hybrid: PXG 0311 Gen5.
  • Iron: PXG 0311 P Gen 4 5-9 irons
  • Wedge: PXG 0311 T Gen 4 PW
  • Wedges: PXG 0311 Sugar Daddy II at 50, 54, 58 degrees
  • Putter: Bettinardi Studio Stock 3 DASS

DP World Tour @ Austrian Alpine: KK? KK!

Kota Kaneko has a rhythmic name. It has strong vowels and a run of voiceless stops in its crunchy K sounds. On Sunday in Austria, Kaneko put a stop to a challenge from Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia and everyone else, and claimed a first-ever title on the DP World Tour. Gouveia did well to reach 16-under par over four days, but Kaneko held firm, two shots in the clear.

Davis Bryant of the USA also forged a strong challenge for the win. He ended in a tie with Gouveia for second place. Kaneko began and finished his final round in a bit of a malaise, but he caught fire midway through. Birdies at 10, 12, and 13 provided the necessary cushion to cruise to the finish line without breaking a serious sweat.

Kaneko’s Suitcase

  • Driver: Ping Max G440
  • Metals: TaylorMade Qi4D at 15, 16.5, 21, and 24 degrees
  • Irons: TaylorMade P760 5 and 6 irons
  • Irons: TaylorMade P7TW 7-9 irons
  • Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design at 46, 52, 56, and 60 degrees
  • Putter: Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser Arm Lock #7

Korn Ferry Tour @ UNC Health Championship: Improbably Alvaro

Alvaro Ortiz may have had a bit of scare on the outward nine on Sunday, but he came through in clutch fashion in the end. Ortiz began the day bogey-double, and added another double bogey at the 11th hole. He was mired in a downward trend, spiraling away from the top of the leader’s board. Ortiz found hope at the 14th, where his first birdie of the day tumbled home. Inspired, he closed with birdies and 17 and 18 to catch Ross Steelman at 10-under par, and the duo returned to the 18th deck for overtime.

The extra session concluded in brief time. Ortiz, buoyed by his newly-retrieved confidence, hit the fairway with driver, then approached to six feet and drained the putt. Gobsmacked, Steelman could do little more than smile and applaud, as his run at the top came to a close. The victory was the first for Ortiz on the KFT, and will implant him squarely in the chase for a PGA Tour promotion.

Alvaro’s Suitcase

  • Driver: Ping G430 MAX driver at 9 degrees loft
  • Metal: Ping G430 MAX 3W
  • Iron: Ping iDi Driving Iron
  • Irons: Ping Blueprint S irons
  • Wedges
  • Putter: Scottsdale TR Piper C

LIV @ Korea: Me llamo Joaquin

Chile’s Joaquin Niemann had been away from the LIV winner’s circle throughout all of 2026. This week in Korea, he reminded us that he is still a force to consider. Niemann chased down Taylor Gooch over the closing holes at Asiad Country Club, then claimed victory with a hole-one birdie in extra time. Bryson DeChambeau claimed solo third, one shot in arrears at minus-eleven. Dustin Johnson finished on fourth, one putt farther back.

Niemann’s Suitcase

  • Driver: Ping 440 LST
  • Metal: Ping G440 Max at 15 degrees
  • Metal: Ping G425 Max at 21 degrees
  • Hybrid: Ping G430 at 25 degrees
  • Irons: Ping Blueprint S 5 through PW
  • Wedges: Ping S159 at 52, 56, and 60 degrees
  • Putter: Ping PLD Anser

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Russell Henley’s winning WITB: 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge

Published

4 weeks ago

on

May 31, 2026

By

Driver: Titleist TSi3 (10 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 70 6.5 TX

3-wood: Titleist TS3 (16.5 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 80 TX

7-wood: Titleist GTS3 (21 degrees)
Shaft: Project X Denali Black 80 TX

Irons: Titleist T250 (4), Titleist T100 (5-9)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold AMT (4-6), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 (7-9)

Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 (48-10F @47, 50-08F @51, 54-10S @55, 60-04T)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 (48), S400 (47)

Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom X5 Tour Prototype

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

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